*Toronto, Ontario/Canada – July 16, 2018: A firefighter gives instructions to her team.
Photo by Colin Dewar, Shutterstock.*
Dear friends,
Every lasting movement depends on people who are willing to learn together, speak together, and act together. Today, that has never been more important. Canada faces a climate emergency.
Seniors For Climate Action Now (SCAN!) is deeply disappointed that our governments have embraced policies that defy climate science and international climate policies and investments in support of new pipelines and mines owned by foreign investors and funded by us. Embarking on the largest rollback of environmental legislation in Canadian history, the federal government has approved and committed the country’s budget to a range of such projects while acknowledging that Canada will not meet its former, UN mandated climate goals. They made these decisions while horrifying, unprecedented wildfires spread across a country recklessly unprepared for such disasters.
Our governments might get away with ignoring the climate crisis because of declining climate literacy among Canadians. In a recent poll only half of Canadians correctly identify greenhouse gases or burning fossil fuels as the primary cause of climate change, and only 13% see climate change as a top three concern.
Hearing from knowledgeable people committed to thoughtful education has never been more important. This is why SCAN!’s Education Committee (EC) exists. Our purpose is to help people understand the climate crisis, separate fact from misinformation, and inspire informed action. Education changes minds, strengthens communities, and lays the foundation for better public decisions. It is fundamental to the goals of SCAN.
We are writing to invite you to join our committee. You do not need to be a scientist. Curiosity, a willingness to learn and teach, a desire to help, interest in working with others, are enough.
The EC is a community of people who learn from and encourage one another. We accomplish more together than we could alone. We meet for an hour every two weeks via Zoom in a friendly, collaborative atmosphere. Together we:
- Write, encourage, discuss and publish blogs for the SCAN! website;
- present introductory webinars we call Climate Change 101;
- organize in-depth webinars on important climate topics;
- develop educational materials that encourage informed discussion and thoughtful action;
- work with other SCAN! committees and organizations, including the Indigenous Solidarity Committee and CALL (Climate Action for Lifelong Learners);
- organize educational work, correspondence, publicity, and outreach to media and environmental organizations; and
- continually look for better ways to communicate knowledge, hope, and practical solutions.
Some EC members enjoy writing. Some like researching, editing, designing, publicizing, coordinating webinars, communicating with members, connecting to other environmental groups. New members can help us expand these activities and keep accessible records.
We need your brain, your heart, your time, and your help.
Blue skies, white clouds, green grass on a sunny day; health and safety for the birds, the whales, our grandchildren’s lungs; these are among life’s gifts. They ask little but that we notice them—and care enough to protect them. Firefighters work together to protect the planet. So can we.
If those words speak to you, and you believe it is time to push back against misinformation, political inaction, and climate delay through education and informed advocacy, we would be delighted to welcome you to the SCAN! Education Committee.
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Would you like to know more about SCAN! or the EC? Attend a meeting? Join the committee? Contact EC chair Norm Park at education@seniorsforclimateactionnow.org.